Page 75 of The Second Kiss
thirty-six
Playing Games
“Hey, Jaz, what’s the plan?” I say, putting the phone to my ear and flopping on my comforter.
“I thought I might come take a look at your car,” a deep voice on the other end answers.
“Jacob, sorry.” I cringe. “Jasmine told me she would call me right back. I thought you were her.”
“So, you have plans tonight?” he asks.
“Nothing set.” I hesitate for a minute. “You want to come over?”
“I was hoping to get a minute to look at your car.”
“It’s really dead now. I don’t even think you could bring it back to life.”
“I’d like the chance to try.”
“Come.” I’m feeling brave. “But don’t worry about the car. We can find something else to do.”
“Like what?” I try to judge if his voice sounds curious or cautious.
“The weather is decent. We could go for a bike ride.” I’m teasing, but it almost sounds like I’m asking him on a date.
“No thanks,” he answers. “I’ve had all the biking I can take.”
I laugh. “Saddle sore?”
“I’m fine, but it was really fun to watch Bryan walk around base yesterday.”
“You weren’t sore at all?”
“Okay, maybe a little. I think I used muscles I didn’t know I had.” He pauses. “If you have plans tonight, I don’t want to stop you.”
“Nothing concrete. I’d like to spend some time with you. You haven’t been over for a long time.” I can’t believe I just said that.
“Okay, I’ll see you in about a half-hour.”
I put the phone down and hug my pillow.
By the time Jacob arrives the decent weather has turned into a downpour. He runs into the house, his hair dripping wet. “Still want to go for a bike ride?”
“Still want to work on my car?” I grab a towel from the downstairs bathroom and throw it to him.
“Only if it’s in the garage.”
“It would have to be pushed.”
“Maybe when the rain lets up.” Jacob dries off his face and looks around. “Where is everybody?”
“Mom and Dad are on a date and Tyler is out with some friends. I guess you’re stuck with me.” This is the first time since I got my wisdom teeth pulled that we’ve been alone at my house.
“I think I can deal with that.” Jacob’s gray t-shirt is wet and clinging to his chest.
I touch his shirt. “Dude, have you ever heard of a jacket? We live in an actual rain forest, remember?”
“I’m starting to remember that.”
